Seen many in NE. I can write a book!
Best durable siding you can by is fibrecrete or concrete siding. Check out the farm house at Ramblin Vewe. Looks great after 30+ years!
If you are going to go with cedar sidings, western red cedar is the way to go! Beats Eastern by a mile! As for preservative Duckbak is the way to go!
http://duckbackstain.com/
I have a customer on Rocky Pond who is going on to her 7th year with western red cedar dipped in duckbak preservatives before installation. I just notice it needs a maintenance coat this year. I can't say I ever seen cedar sidings that requires a maintenance coat every 7 years.